How Do I Unlock The Control On My Whirlpool Washer?

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Nigh newer Whirlpool washing machines come equipped with Lid Lock technology that prevents them from being opened while in use. This characteristic seems pretty handy—until information technology malfunctions and your washer refuses to run. While there are a number of ways to unlock your automobile under normal conditions, opening one that'southward on the fritz will require a magnet or some basic wire splicing skills. Go on in heed that these kinds of renegade fixes may void your warranty, and that if you make up one's mind to try them, y'all'll be doing so at your own take chances.

1
Plough off the washing automobile and unplug it from the wall. If necessary, scoot the appliance abroad from the wall only enough to expose the main power string. Pull the cord free from the wall socket to disable the power to the washer. Exercise not keep until yous've confirmed that the power string is completely asunder.^[1]
- Once yous've unplugged your washer, lay the power cord flat confronting the side of the chiffonier and record information technology downward to keep it from accidentally getting wet or becoming damaged while you work.
- If you decide to tinker with your washer without first unplugging information technology, you could be putting yourself at risk of electrical shock.^[2]
Tip: The chapeau lock mechanisms on some washers are heat-activated, which means overriding them is as elementary as letting them cool off. Permit the washer sit unplugged for virtually 10 minutes, then try lifting the lid. If it opens, you're all set. If it still won't budge, go on to Programme B.^[iii]
2
Shut off the water by turning the twin supply valves counterclockwise. These valves will either be located in a recessed nook on the wall behind the unit of measurement or under the utility sink, if your laundry room has 1. When you find them, grip the rotating dials and twist them all the way to the left until you tin't move them anymore. This will guarantee that there'southward no water flowing to the machine.^[iv]
- Sometimes, the supply valve dials will be color-coded red and blueish to conspicuously indicate which one corresponds to hot and common cold water.^[5]
- Information technology's non safe to make whatever sort of mechanical modifications to your washing auto without beginning cutting the water supply, even if it's unplugged.
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3
Open the washer'southward summit panel past disengaging the hidden retentiveness clips. You lot'll find one of these clips on either side of the upper part of the unit's front face. Sideslip a screwdriver blade under the edge of the housing on one side of the machine and push directly against the clip within to release information technology. Repeat this process on the 2d clip, and then raise the panel to become it out of your way.^[6]
- You can also jog the clips using another long, slender blazon of tool, such as a putty knife.
- On certain models, you may demand to undo the hinge screws on the behind of the washer's upper control console in order to lift the top panel.^[7]
4
Place the lid lock switch on the underside of the top console. This is the electronic mechanism that actually controls the washer's locking function. On most models, it will exist housed in a small box fabricated of gray or black plastic. Chances are, this little widget is responsible for the issue you're experiencing.^[eight]
- The hat lock switch assembly will still be connected to its wire harness, which is commonly secured to the underside of the washer's top panel via a series of clips. To avert making more work for yourself, exit both of these attachments as they are.

i
Gear up a magnet on the site where the lid lock switch meets the washer cabinet. Simply under the unit'southward housing at this spot at that place is a solenoid, which is a type of powerful electromagnet. Placing a separate magnet there will create a stable electromagnetic connection with the solenoid and "trick" the car into thinking that the lid is closed when it's actually open up.^[9]
- Any type of small magnet should do the play a trick on. Only make sure you cull a thin one, like a fridge magnet, if you lot want to be able to close the chapeau completely.
- The lid lock applied science on many older washing machines works by using a strong magnetic charge to keep the lid shut during the wash wheel.^[10]
Tip: Utilize duct record to tie downward magnets that are poised precariously or won't residuum flat on their ain.^[11]
two
Supplant the superlative console, plug the washer in, and perform a examination wash. Don't forget to plough the water supply back on beforehand. If your magnet is positioned properly, information technology will be possible for you to open up and close the lid at will during regular use. This won't affect the machine's normal operations in the slightest.
- This work-around may be useful if you want to be able to throw boosted items in later on in the wash cycle without the machine cutting off every time.
three
Accommodate the placement of the magnet if your washer is even so stopping. Assuming the appliance continues to behave the style it usually does, you lot may accept no selection but to open it dorsum up and give it another shot. Attempt to line up your magnet with the exact spot on the pinnacle panel where the hat lock switch normally hovers. If that doesn't have care of things, chase around for a stronger magnet.
- Double-cheque that the bonny side of your magnet is facing down. Otherwise, it may not generate a solid link with the solenoid.
- If yous're having problem finding a magnet potent plenty to maintain a connectedness, just unscrew the one that's set into the edge of the washer hat. You can always put information technology back when you're done.^[12]

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i
Remove the lid lock switch assembly. Utilise a ^ane⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) nut driver to loosen the two mounting screws holding the box in place on the bottom of the panel. Lower the associates carefully and permit it dangle freely from its wire harness at around chest level. That way, y'all'll take no difficulty accessing it with your tools.^[13]
- Place the mounting screws in a shallow dish or similar container so you lot won't lose them. If they disappear, you won't be able to get the switch back in its proper place at the finish of your project.
two
Pry the cover off of the assembly. These sorts of covers are almost ever secured using memory clips. But pull upward on the clips with the edge of your pollex to disengage them. Then, lift off the cover and set it aside.^[xiv]
- In some cases, it may exist necessary to take out a couple of small screws in order to remove the switch cover.
iii
Examine your washer'south tech sheet to determine which wires to cut. Scan the included wiring diagram until you observe the wires labelled "lid switch" and "lock switch." The majority of washing machine hat lock switches are powered past 3 or 4 wires, each of which performs a unlike function. Hopefully, these will exist color-coded. If not, the tech sheet will map out the arrangement of the wires on the control lath.^[15]
- Almost washing automobile models come with a thin booklet attached to the back or bottom interior portion of the cabinet. Inside this booklet (known equally the "tech sheet") yous'll observe a diagram that lays out the exact configuration of your appliance'southward electrical wiring.^[16]
- If your switch has 3 wires and the lid switch and lock switch are assigned to positions one and 3, that means you'll cut the wire on either side of the eye wire.
4

Snip the wires corresponding to the lid lock mechanism and hat switch. Grab a pair of pliers or some precipitous scissors and brand a nice make clean cutting right through the eye of each wire. Without an intact connexion, the wires won't be able to channel the electrical current that causes the lid to remain locked.^[17]

Warning: Messing with your washing machine's wiring may cause it to end working correctly, and it will definitely violate the terms of your warranty. Unless y'all're confident that yous can practise this right the first time, information technology may be wise to only call a Whirlpool repair technician.
5
Strip about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of insulation from the end of each wire. Position the blades of your wire strippers at the appropriate spot along the showtime wire and clamp the handles together forcefully. Without letting go of the handles, elevate the tool towards the loose end of the wire to slide off the insulated coating.^[18]
- Stripping the wire but removes the backlog material from the cut department, assuasive you to work freely and efficiently.
6
Twist the ends of the two wires together and join them with a wire connector. Take each wire and gently roll the exposed strands betwixt your pollex and forefinger to grouping them. Once the strands are neatly mingled, hold the two wires side-by-side and twist them together like a candy cane. Screw a plastic connector over the conjoined wire ends to secure them.^[19]
- Yous can also use a strip of electric tape if you don't happen to take any spare wire connectors on hand.
- Smoothing the strands on the ends of the wires before y'all twist them together will prevent them from sticking out awkwardly and ensure a clean connection.
7
Reassemble the washer and attempt it out. Tuck the newly joined wires dorsum into the switch casing, reinstall the removable cover, and press down on it until it clicks. Reposition the switch on the underside of the motorcar's top panel and tighten the mounting screws, then secure the meridian panel once more. Finally, plug the washer dorsum in and start it up. If y'all've done everything correctly, you should be able to open up the chapeau at any signal during the machine's various cycles.^[20]
- Unlike standard washing machines, lid lock models won't stop automatically when you open them subsequently skirting the locking mechanism. For this reason, you'll need to be extremely conscientious not to get your limbs, vesture, pilus, or jewelry too close to the spinning agitator while y'all accept the lid open.^[21]

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Even if y'all manage to get your washer open, information technology's a practiced idea to take it serviced by a licensed professional to make up one's mind the source of the problem and come with a rubber, reliable gear up.

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